Deadline: 10-Apr-2026
UNFPA is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) to support the transition to Midwifery Models of Care (MMoC) in selected Francophone countries in West and Central Africa. The initiative focuses on maternal and newborn health and adolescent sexual and reproductive health, aiming to strengthen midwifery-led, person-centered, and equitable health systems.
Overview
UNFPA has launched a regional EOI to support the shift toward Midwifery Models of Care (MMoC) across selected Francophone countries in West and Central Africa.
The programme is designed to help countries move away from fragmented, risk-based maternity care toward more integrated, respectful, and midwife-led care, improving outcomes for women, newborns, and adolescents.
Focus Areas
The initiative supports work in:
- Adolescent health, including sexual and reproductive health
- Maternal and newborn health
- Emergency obstetric care
- Service delivery strengthening
- Quality and continuity of care
- Midwifery workforce capacity
- Equitable, person-centered health systems
Purpose of the Initiative
This regional programme aims to:
- Generate evidence on existing midwifery models of care
- Assess health system readiness in participating countries
- Support transition to midwifery-led care models
- Promote integrated and respectful maternity care
- Strengthen systems for better pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care
Why This Matters
Although global evidence shows that midwifery models of care are highly effective and cost-efficient in reducing maternal and newborn mortality, implementation in West and Central Africa remains uneven.
Key barriers include:
- Midwifery workforce shortages
- Regulatory and policy limitations
- Fragmented service delivery
- Unequal access to quality maternal care
This initiative addresses these gaps through a regional, evidence-based approach.
Expected Deliverables
Selected service providers are expected to support:
- An inception report with methodology and stakeholder engagement plan
- A regional evidence mapping and synthesis report on current MMoC practices
- Regional learning sessions for knowledge exchange
- Country-specific readiness evidence briefs to inform national transition strategies
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is best suited for organisations or service providers with experience in:
- Midwifery and maternal health
- Sexual and reproductive health
- Health systems strengthening
- Evidence synthesis and research
- Regional health programme implementation
- Stakeholder facilitation and policy engagement
Strategic Importance
The programme contributes to broader goals such as:
- Reducing maternal mortality
- Improving newborn health outcomes
- Advancing universal health coverage
- Strengthening health systems
- Addressing inequalities in access to care
- Supporting a stronger and more empowered midwifery workforce
FAQs
What is the main focus of this UNFPA EOI?
The main focus is supporting the transition to Midwifery Models of Care (MMoC) in selected Francophone countries in West and Central Africa.
Which health areas are covered?
The initiative focuses on:
- Adolescent sexual and reproductive health
- Maternal and newborn health
- Emergency obstetric care
- Midwifery-led service delivery
What outputs are expected?
Expected outputs include:
- Inception report
- Regional evidence mapping report
- Regional learning sessions
- Country readiness evidence briefs
Why is this initiative important?
It helps countries move toward integrated, respectful, and person-centered care led by midwives, which can improve outcomes for women and newborns.
Conclusion
This UNFPA regional EOI is a strong opportunity for organisations working in midwifery, maternal health, reproductive health, and health systems strengthening across West and Central Africa.
It is especially relevant for partners that can provide research, evidence generation, stakeholder engagement, and regional learning support to advance midwifery-led models of care.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.